Musician & Nonprofit Executive

Part I: Musician, Composer, Steinway Artist, and Educator

Markus Gottschlich's musical journey started in Vienna, Austria, where he immersed himself in the world of music from an early age. Growing up and playing the piano in the historic Pasqualati House, once home to Beethoven, deeply influenced his artistic path, shaping a unique and captivating sound that effortlessly blends elements from the "old world" and the "new world."

Hailed as "a lyrical, high-energy, and risk-taking pianist" by Albuquerque Magazine, Markus has been praised for his captivating and adventurous approach to his performances, infusing them with passion and spontaneity. The Standard, Austria, recognizes Markus's musical brilliance, describing his compositions as "elegant, melodically remarkable ideas," showcasing his prowess as both a composer and performer. Miami Magazine acknowledges Markus Gottschlich as a pianist on the cusp of becoming “one of the country's leading jazz performers”.

Markus has been featured in numerous publications, including Downbeat Magazine, the Albuquerque Journal, the Florida Sun, Miami Magazine, Deluxe Vienna, and German World, among others, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in the jazz scene. His performances have graced renowned jazz festivals such as the Vienna Jazz Festival, Jarasum Jazz Festival, and Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, leaving an indelible mark on the global jazz community.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Markus has also proven himself as a competent educator and mentor. Intensive study under the guidance of South Florida pianist Mike Gerber proceeded his educational journey at Admiral Farragut Academy, Concordia College-NY, and Western Connecticut State University. Throughout his career, Markus has excelled as a solo pianist and ensemble performer, captivating audiences with mesmerizing live performances and innovative compositions. He has curated concert series in Miami, collaborating with esteemed venues such as the Design District, Fisher Island, and the Faena, and has continued to enrich the jazz community through his work as an instructor and mentor.

Markus’s three albums, on which he collaborated with Grammy Award winning artists such as Federico Britos and Jose Javier Freire, led to international touring opportunities. On his 2020 release “Found Sounds”, Gottschlich’s compositions featured guest artists such as the legendary trumpeter Bobby Shew. Markus’s music can also be heard on the Egyptian blockbuster “Ras El Sana”, and in the music documentary “This is Us”.

Part II: Nonprofit Executive

In addition to his thriving musical career, Markus Gottschlich has made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. He notably served as the Artistic Director of the Miami Beach Jazz Festival until 2016. Under his guidance, the festival flourished, providing a platform for talented local, national, and international artists, while enriching the city’s cultural landscape with year-round youth programming and concert series.

In 2018, Markus assumed the role of Executive Director at the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, revitalizing the organization's festival, concerts, and educational initiatives. His leadership and dedication breathed new life into the organization, enhancing its impact on the jazz community.

Temporarily transitioning to Vienna, Austria, Markus served as the founding Department Chair for Music Business, and as a Senior Lecturer for Jazz Piano, Classical Composition, Branding & Advertising, and Computer- Supported Composition at the Vienna Music Institute, a Conservatory for Contemporary Music.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Warehouse Arts District Association in St. Petersburg, Florida, Markus fosters a vibrant artistic community, supporting and promoting local artists and initiatives that enrich the district’s cultural tapestry.

With dedication, innovation, and a profound love for the arts, he continues to create culturally unique programming, while providing access to arts education opportunities for diverse audiences. Markus Gottschlich's multifaceted career as a musician, composer, Steinway Artist, educator, and nonprofit executive showcases his ability to inspire and leave a lasting impact on the arts community.